Gerd Ludwig

Born in Alsfeld, Germany, Gerd Ludwig studied Photography with Professor Otto Steinert at the Folkwang University of the Arts (Folkwangschule) in Essen, Germany, and graduated in 1972. In 1984 he re-located to New York, and after continuing to photograph for major international publications, signed on as a contract photographer for National Geographic Magazine in the early 1990’s. His focus on environmental issues, and on the socio-economic changes following the dissolution of the Soviet Bloc resulted in his book and exhibit, Broken Empire: After the Fall of the USSR, and The Long Shadow of Chernobyl iPad App published in 2011. His ongoing coverage of post Soviet Russia has garnered his distinction as being the world’s foremost color photographer documenting the region.

Now based in Los Angeles, Gerd Ludwig continues his work for National Geographic Magazine, photographs personal projects, and exhibits his photographs in galleries and museums around the world and is represented by National Geographic Creative. He is the recipient of many photographic awards, including the 2006 Lucie Award for International Photographer of the Year and the 2014 Dr. Erich Salomon Award.

Sharing his knowledge by giving lectures and teaching workshops has been a passion of Gerd for many years now. Recently he has started to teach workshops at his home/studio in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, CA. They all start with portfolio critiques.

Gerd describes himself as a tough but constructive critic and laughingly says: “You would not be the first one to have tears in your eyes during my critique – and write love letters to me years later.”